Diseases of Aging

03/09/2015

A modified RNA that encodes a telomere-extending protein to cultured human cell yielded large numbers of cells for study.

It is fair to say that immortality, or at least slowing down the aging process, has fascinated humankind for a long, long time. The answer does not reside in magical waters as Ponce de Leon once believed, although a day on a Florida beach in winter-time might come close.

Scientists are working with telomeres, which are the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes. They shorten as we age (in the most general of terms.) Work is being done in the lab to lengthen them.

If successful, this line of research has potential with diseases of aging, and especially disorders of premature aging.